Paul Calvert (President) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to add a few of my own words to the tributes that have been paid to our late friend Jeannie Ferris today. As a former whip I feel a special affinity to Jeannie and all of those other whips who occupy that position. I was thinking only yesterday that I will not be able to sit here and say, ‘I appoint Senator Ferris as teller for the ayes,’ or the noes or whatever side of the chamber it may be.

A lot has been said about Jeannie today. She was the mother hen of her side of the chamber. She looked after all of her ‘children’, I suppose you would call them. But she had a special worry about Senator Ferguson’s health. She always used to say to him on Thursday mornings: ‘You two boys played up last night. I left the mummy light on and it was still on when I went to bed. You were home late.’ I think that Senator Minchin knows what I am talking about.

Mention has been made today of Jeannie’s significant contribution in the field of women’s health—I think that is most significant—and also on rural matters. I particularly mark her service on the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, which has been spoken about. She always stood up to ensure that the interests of those Australians who live in country areas were both heard and protected.

One of the things about a sudden death like Jeannie’s is that you do not have the opportunity to say goodbye. But I think the wonderful tributes that were made at the parliamentary service of thanksgiving are a testament to Jeannie’s contribution to Australia. I would particularly single out, as many have here today, the loving and courageous words from Robbie Ferris on behalf of the family. Above all, of course, apart from her public service, Jeannie will be missed as a loving and compassionate mother. My wife, Jill, and I join with everybody else in extending our condolences to her family and friends.

On the morning that Jeannie passed away I received the following letter from His Excellency the Governor-General which he asked me to read to the Senate:

Dear Mr President

I should be grateful if you would convey to the Senate my deep sympathies following the passing of Senator Jeannie Ferris recently.

Senator Ferris has made a significant contribution to the public life in Australia and especially during her time as a Senator for South Australia and as Government Whip since August 2002. I know that she fought valiantly against the insidious cancer that eventually took her life.

My wife, Marlena, joins me and so many Australians in offering our sincere condolences to Senator Ferris’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Yours sincerely

Michael Jeffery

Question agreed to, honourable senators standing in their places.